catch at straws

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Drowning people, it is said, catch at straws.

From Forty Years in the Wilderness of Pills and Powders Cogitations and Confessions of an Aged Physician by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)

Let us go at once," said the detective; "drowning men, they say, catch at straws.

From The Burglar's Fate And The Detectives by Pinkerton, Allan

"Or you would have gone on horseback," said his wife, ever ready to catch at straws.

From 'Lena Rivers by Holmes, Mary Jane

It is said "the drowning catch at straws."

From Life in the Grey Nunnery at Montreal by Richardson, Sarah J.

What could possess me to make such a request of such a man I cannot tell; but drowning men catch at straws: they had driven me desperate between them; I hardly knew what I said. 

From The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Brontë, Anne